Abstract

This paper identifies themes in wearable technology practices within the context of research in universities and art and design schools as well as industrial laboratories to suggest opportunities for concentration of efforts and international collaboration. Research using biometric data, heart rate monitors, embedded sensors, blue tooth and mobile networks, conductive threads, soft circuitry, smart textiles and shape metals and other adaptive fabrics occur at sites in around the world. Where are these? Secondly, the paper begins to map these research efforts to the potential of take-up by adopters (fashion designers, healthcare, and security services as examples). Finally it suggests some opportunities for collaboration and points to strategies needed to bridge the gap between research or art and design prototyping and large-scale adoption.